Minnesota Adult Hunter Safety Course

Invaders in the Outdoors

Minnesota's natural resources, both on land and in water, are threatened by a number of invasive species of plants and animals that have come from places outside Minnesota. Examples of these invaders are zebra mussels, Eurasian watermilfoil, common buckthorn, and emerald ash borer. These species can cause problems for water recreation, forests, lakes, wetlands, and the native species in them.

Recreation activities from waterfowl hunting to trail riding can spread invasive species. You should be aware of the laws and precautions to clean recreation gear, so you aren't part of the problem. Follow these steps - It’s the law!

Clean visible aquatic plants, zebra mussels, and other prohibited invasive species off watercraft, trailers, and hunting equipment before leaving any water access. It is illegal to transport them once you leave the water access.

Drain water from boat, bilge, decoys and other equipment holding water before leaving any water access. Drain plugs must be removed from bilges at the water access. Drain plugs and all other water draining devices must remain open while trailering or transporting boats.

It is up to each of us to protect Minnesota's natural resources from invasive species by taking some of these simple steps.